The dynamics of the war in Ukraine, after three years of stalemate, are showing signs of shifting. The Trump administration is pursuing direct negotiations with Russia. European leaders are meeting amongst themselves and clashing over whether to send in troops. Ukraine says it will not recognize any negotiations that do not include Kyiv. All this comes after the conflict reshaped assumptions over global power and triggered the largest surge in defense spending since the Cold War. Global military budgets soared to $2.46 trillion last year alone, a 7.4% increase, as nations rushed to fortify their defenses. The stakes for global security have never been higher.

The Global Intelligence Desk is pleased to welcome Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), one of the leading voices in transatlantic security, as we unpack the key takeaways from the Munich Security Conference, the latest shifts in Russia-Ukraine negotiations, and what these developments mean for global power dynamics and the future of international security.

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

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The Munich Security Conference kicks off in Germany this Friday amid tensions on both sides of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, defense priorities are shifting with a new U.S. administration and upcoming elections in Germany and the European Union. Many items are on the agenda, but the conference will conclude with a discussion on Europe’s role in the world.

We are joined by Keith Webster, Vice President at the Chamber, and President of the Defense and Aerospace Council and Federal Acquisition Council, calling in from Munich ahead of the Munich Security Conference. Webster will share his expectations for the meeting, key security challenges and how they relate to actionable insights for business, and how the U.S. and its allies are navigating these challenges as well as what lies ahead for transatlantic defense and economic security.

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

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Colombia stands at a critical economic juncture. Amid political uncertainty, shifting trade relations, security concerns and an ambitious energy transition, credit rating agencies are watching Colombia's fiscal health. A dispute with the U.S. over migrants and tariffs was resolved quickly, but focused attention on the bi-lateral relationship.

Bogota’s policies on fossil fuel dependency, taxation, and investment are shaping the nation’s trajectory, while global factors—ranging from a strong U.S. dollar to geopolitical shifts—add further complexity.

For this timely discussion, The Global Intelligence Desk is excited to host Juan Daniel Oviedo, an economist and former Director of Colombia’s National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). As a leading voice on economic policy and regulatory frameworks, Oviedo shares insights on how Colombia can navigate this moment and seize opportunities for growth.

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

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